Artists create immersive experience
Maxime Delforges and Jérôme Helfenstein, known for their previous works CloC and À vue, have crafted a new immersive performance called Opium. This piece explores themes of ancestral beliefs and plural magic, inviting audiences to experience a journey through illusion and sensory engagement.Experience unfolds in multiple spaces
The performance takes place in seven distinct rooms, each designed to create a unique atmosphere. Audiences move in small groups through these spaces, guided by sound and light, with soft floors and blurred walls enhancing the sense of immersion and wonder.Sensory and emotional immersion
Within each room, the audience encounters a small miracle, experiencing a total sensory immersion. The setting is almost museum-like, allowing for spontaneous emotions and the realization of the impossible, with the journey concluding in an unexpected manner.Collaborative creation process
Opium was created with the assistance of various artists and professionals, including scenographer Bénédicte Jolys, sound designer Marc Arrigoni, and lighting designer Claire Villard. The performance features several artists, including Delforges, Helfenstein, Marianne Carriau, and Caroline de Vial.Supported by multiple organizations
The production is co-produced by several cultural institutions across France and the Netherlands, including Bonlieu Scène nationale Annecy and Noorderzon Festival. It received support from regional and local funding bodies, highlighting its significance in the performing arts community.Performance schedule and duration
Opium premiered in November 2026 and has a scheduled tour through 2027, with performances in multiple cities across France and the Netherlands. The performance lasts one hour and is presented by the Compagnie 32 Novembre, which is supported by the DRAC Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes and the city of Annecy.
